WALKING TO 6 YEARS
Alpena Gymnastics
WALKING TO 6 YEARS
Tumble Tots
18 months 3 years old
(30 min)
Child must have a parent or guardian that can assist the child with class.
The goal for this class is to provide exposure to the gym and its equipment. Basic skills such as jumping, climbing, or swinging will be incorporated. Following the warm up is a short series of stretches combined with an introduction to different positions that gymnasts use. The entire class will do what we refer to as 'down and backs' which consists of various jumps and skills such as frog hops, bunny hops, and bear walks. Learning, practicing, and developing the strength to effectively complete these foundation skills will be critical when advancing into skills that require strength for neck protection such as forward rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. Each class ends with a few minutes for the gymnasts to pick their favorite event to work on.
Preschool
3-5 year olds
(1 hr)
This class runs simultaneously with the Tumble Tots for the second half. The first 30 minutes, before the tumble tots, is devoted to teaching forward and backward roll techniques, beginning cartwheels, bridges, or handstands. On the bars, kids will do activities that increase arm strength and learn about the front support and pull over. On the beam, gymnasts will learn how to walk in releve, do kicks and increase balance by doing various skills along the beam. This class not only focuses on skill development but listening, following the group, staying in line, and waiting turns which are skills needed to advance to the Intro class. The class might also conclude with a structured game.
Young Intro
Ages 4-6
(1 hr)
Young intro is designed for the transition between preschool and an all ages class. The full hour is used similar to the intro class with stations and drills for each event. 4 year olds will need to have participated in preschool class during the previous year in order to take this class.
